Lot 619
Washington, George. Partly-printed document signed ("Go: Washington") as President of the Society of the Cincinnati, Mount Vernon, Virginia, 1 page, vellum, age toned, 14 x 19½ in., July 4, 1785. Matted with a biographical plaque and a color image of George Washington and framed to an overall size of 25½ x 39½ in. Membership certificate of Heman Swift, Brigadier General, in the Society of the Cincinnati, "instituted by the Officers of the American Army at the Period of its Dissolution, as well to commemorate the great Event which gave Independence to North America, as for the laudable Purpose of inculcating the Duty of laying down in Peace Arms assumed for public Defence, and of uniting in Acts of brotherly Affection, and Bonds of perpetual Friendship the Members constituting the same." Countersigned by Henry Knox ("H Knox") as Secretary of the Society. Patriotic engravings cover the lower portion of the certificate, and the eagle badge of the Society is at the top.
Heman Swift (1733-1814) was from Cornwall, Connecticut and served as Colonel in the Connecticut line during the Revolution. He was made Brigadier General by Washington at the end of the war.
The Society of the Cincinnati was founded near Newburgh, New York in 1783 by Continental Army officers who fought in the American Revolution. Within a year, affiliated Societies were founded in all 13 of the original states and France. George Washington was elected the first President in December 1783 and served until his death in 1799, when he was succeeded by Alexander Hamilton.
The Society was named for Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, a 5th century B.C. Roman farmer who, like Washington, triumphantly lead his country's troops in battle, then returned home to plow his fields, refusing any honors. The Society's motto is: "He gave up everything to serve the republic." The Society of the Cincinnati is the oldest military hereditary society in the United States. Membership passes through the eldest son of the eldest surviving son successively of an original member. The Society was also the first military beneficial society. At a time when there were no military pensions, officers who were original members of the Society were required to give one month's pay, the interest of which was used for needy officers and their families.
Estimated Value $7,500 - 10,000.
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| Realized $12,600 |
